This is the first nationalist group to be declared as terrorist. In the past the government has declared several religious extremist groups as terrorist outfits.

The interior ministry said in a statement "BLA is an amorphous, underground organization which was born in the Balochistan University during the cold war era."

"Extremists, left-leaning students of the Baloch Students Organization (BSO) were its most important component," the statement added.

Talking to reporters here, Pakistan Interior Minister, Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao said Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) was involved in anti-state activities and action will be taken against its masterminds. "Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) was under close watch and its activities were being monitored".